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1 Corinthians 10:31

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Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

Whether {G1535} therefore {G3767} ye eat {G2068}, or {G1535} drink {G4095}, or {G1535} whatsoever {G5100} ye do {G4160}, do {G4160} all {G3956} to {G1519} the glory {G1391} of God {G2316}.

Well, whatever you do, whether it’s eating or drinking or anything else, do it all so as to bring glory to God.

So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God.

Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

Commentary

1 Corinthians 10:31 (KJV): "Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God."

This powerful verse from Paul's letter to the church in Corinth provides a foundational principle for Christian living, extending the concept of worship beyond formal religious acts to encompass every aspect of daily life. It challenges believers to live with an intentional focus on honoring God in even the most ordinary activities.

Context

This verse serves as a concluding principle for a significant section of Paul's letter (chapters 8-10) dealing with complex issues faced by the Corinthian church, particularly concerning Christian liberty, the conscience of others, and participation in activities potentially linked to pagan worship, such as eating meat offered to idols. Paul has been discussing the importance of not causing fellow believers to stumble (1 Corinthians 8:9) and the need for self-discipline for the sake of the gospel. He then presents his own example of seeking the profit of many, that they may be saved (1 Corinthians 10:33). Verse 31 acts as the overarching summary and motivation behind these specific instructions: whatever choice is made, whatever action is taken, the ultimate goal should be the glory of God.

Key Themes

  • Glorifying God in Everything: The central command is to direct all actions, no matter how small or significant, towards bringing honor and praise to God. This includes basic human needs like eating and drinking, as well as everything else one does.
  • Holiness in Daily Life: The verse elevates ordinary activities, suggesting they are not separate from one's spiritual walk but can be avenues for expressing faith and devotion.
  • Comprehensive Devotion: The phrase "whatsoever ye do" emphasizes that no area of life is exempt from the call to live for God's glory. This principle should permeate thoughts, words, and deeds.
  • Motivation for Action: Understanding that life's purpose is to glorify God provides a clear motive for making decisions, especially in ethically complex situations like those Paul discusses.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "glory of God" translates the Greek doxan theou (δόξαν θεοῦ). Doxa here refers not just to reputation, but to the inherent majesty, excellence, and radiance of God. To do something "to the glory of God" means to act in a way that reflects His character, demonstrates His power, or points others towards Him. The breadth of "whatsoever ye do" (Greek pan poieite - πᾶν ποιεῖτε) underscores the all-encompassing nature of this command.

Related Scriptures

This principle resonates throughout Scripture. The idea that humanity was created for God's glory is found in Isaiah 43:7. Paul echoes this comprehensive call in other letters, such as when he encourages believers to do all in the name of the Lord Jesus in Colossians 3:17. The concept aligns with presenting one's entire life as an act of worship, as described in Romans 12:1, where believers are called to present their bodies as living sacrifices.

Practical Application

For believers today, 1 Corinthians 10:31 is a radical call to intentional living. It transforms mundane tasks into opportunities for worship. Whether at work, school, home, or leisure, the question becomes: "How can this activity, thought, or word bring glory to God?" It encourages ethical behavior, excellence in work, loving interactions, and responsible stewardship, all motivated by a desire to honor the One who gave us life. It means aligning our choices, even about what we eat or drink, with principles that reflect God's character and purpose.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Colossians 3:17 (131 votes)

    And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, [do] all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

  • Colossians 3:23 (109 votes)

    And whatsoever ye do, do [it] heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;

  • 1 Peter 4:11 (55 votes)

    If any man speak, [let him speak] as the oracles of God; if any man minister, [let him do it] as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

  • Deuteronomy 12:18 (18 votes)

    But thou must eat them before the LORD thy God in the place which the LORD thy God shall choose, thou, and thy son, and thy daughter, and thy manservant, and thy maidservant, and the Levite that [is] within thy gates: and thou shalt rejoice before the LORD thy God in all that thou puttest thine hands unto.

  • Deuteronomy 12:7 (18 votes)

    And there ye shall eat before the LORD your God, and ye shall rejoice in all that ye put your hand unto, ye and your households, wherein the LORD thy God hath blessed thee.

  • Deuteronomy 12:12 (13 votes)

    And ye shall rejoice before the LORD your God, ye, and your sons, and your daughters, and your menservants, and your maidservants, and the Levite that [is] within your gates; forasmuch as he hath no part nor inheritance with you.

  • Zechariah 7:5 (13 votes)

    Speak unto all the people of the land, and to the priests, saying, When ye fasted and mourned in the fifth and seventh [month], even those seventy years, did ye at all fast unto me, [even] to me?